Search - Various Artists :: Scandinavian Metal Attack 2

Burn the churches to the ground; Satan's wicked goal!

Heavy Metal Hero | USA | 07/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The worth of the majority of the material on this compilation will be determined largely by what purpose you want this compilation to fulfill. As a general cross-section of the early '80s Swedish traditional metal scene, it's a very unflattering and Black Mark-biased collection. The Trash, Highscore, and Mentzer stuff isn't terrible, but the largely hard rock based song constructions aren't all that memorable (or all that heavy); I would have much preferred to see Heavy Load, Torch, 220 Volt, or similar-type stuff. However, if you're just looking for early Swedish metal rarities, this should provide satisfaction.



Biscaya's "Howl in the Sky" is a classy tune similar to the first Silver Mountain LP--pretty heavy, but with plenty of Deep Purple overtones and some keyboard use. Sadly, the majority of people will probably tell you that the only real worth on this compilation (and the reason why the first volume is better than this one) is the Bathory tracks. I would recommend giving anyone offering a similar sentiment a cheap hit to the face under the false pretense of playing a wild air guitar solo.



The real GEM on this compilation is Oz's "Turn the Cross Upside Down," easily one of the greatest heavy metal anthems ever conceived and proof positive that even the most traditional heavy metal has diabolical intent."